POTSDAM -- An “I Spy Contest,” free pet photos with Santa, a baking contest, entertainment and many sales are on tap Dec. 1 and 2 for Holiday Shopping Weekend.

Almost 30 businesses in Potsdam are expected to participate in the annual event organized by the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce. Businesses will offer holiday hours, deals and activities for shoppers to enjoy.

“It’s a great time to come to Potsdam to shop,” said Marylee Ballou, executive director at the chamber.

Other highlights will include a wine tasting at T & R Wines & Liquors, Saturday 1 to 4 p.m., SeaComm Plaza; free photos with Santa at Walmart, U.S. Hwy. 11; a food sampling at Willow Tree Florist, Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 7580 U.S. Hwy. 11, and a chance to try out the University Bookstore’s new café at 39 Market St.

The “I Spy Contest,” will take place at Harris Medical, 63 Market St., and feature activities similar to a scavenger hunt. The pet photos will be offered at Potsdam Agway, Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 14 Pine St., to benefit Spay/Neuter/Now from 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 3 p.m. The baking contest, along with a silent auction, is sponsored by the Potsdam Food Co-op, 24 Elm St. Baking contest participants can bring two copies of a favorite treat between noon and 4 p.m.; one to be judged and one to be auctioned.

Participating businesses will also afford shoppers the chance to enter a drawing to win either $100 or $50 in Potsdam Chamber Gift Certificates. The gift certificates can be used at any participating businesses, according to Ballou.